Sports Reporter

Nottingham Forest manager Aitor Karanka felt there were plenty of positives to take from his side’s performance in their 1-0 defeat to Real Betis.

A late goal from Ryad Boudebouz settled the contest at the Estadio Nuevo Mirador.

But the defensive organisation and all-round performance from his side left Karanka feeling positive.

Speaking after the game, he told the club’s official website: “I am very pleased because I thought we played a very good game. We played against a very good team, last season Betis was very good and they are going to play Europa League this season.

“They are a team that likes to play good football and today we were really organised, we had good transitions and no injuries, a good tempo in the game so another good game for us.

“It was a test that is completely different to what we are going to find in the Championship. To start to be organised on the pitch, to be together and to know the things that we have to do when we don’t have the ball, to play against teams like Betis is really important for us. We have players who have played 80 minutes, some 60-65 so I am really pleased.”